NEW HAVEN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ADDRESSES H1N1

(6/12/2009) New Haven- As the New Haven Health Department continues to receive reports confirming community-wide spread of the H1N1 Influenza virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this to be a pandemic.

“The WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of the illness caused by the virus”, said William Quinn, Director of Health. “Most New Haven cases have been mild and require little to no medical treatment. While there have been hospitalizations of some City residents recently, it is important to note that all these cases have had underlying medical conditions”.

The Health Department strongly advises that parents and guardians of children who have underlying medical conditions, such as respiratory diseases, notably asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and obesity, consult their health care provider and follow their recommendations. In comparison to varieties of seasonal influenza, illnesses caused by the H1N1 virus are considered to be much milder; however, complications arising in those with underlying medical conditions continue to be a concern.

The New Haven Health Department, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and the State Department of Public Health, will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis. In addition, they will continue to collaborate with and advise the New Haven Board of Education in their effort to keep New Haven students healthy and safe.

Here are some general tips recommended by the New Haven Health Department for decreasing the spread of germs:

o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

o Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

o If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

For information about the N1H1 flu, visit the DPH’s web site at http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/swineflu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine , or call the New Haven Health Department at 203-946-7878.